Napa Valley Winery Announces Limited Allocation Release of Latest Bordeaux-Inspired Grand Cru
NAPA, CA, February 24, 2022 – Established in 1999, Roy Estate produces single vineyard, estate grown wines from the cooler, southern end of Napa Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains. Recognized for its highly decorated, balanced wines produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordelaise varietals, Roy Estate today announces the release of its 2019 Mr. Evans Proprietary Red. With total production of only 695 cases, the wine will be available in the U.S. with limited allocations first offered with an SRP of $265 exclusively to members at the end of this month.
Roy Estate arrived at its current chapter when entrepreneur Stéphan Crétier discovered the wines produced at the estate’s stunning 47-acre site that provides views of the San Francisco Bay. Together with his wife and partner Stéphany Maillery, Crétier assumed ownership of the winery from founder Shirley Roy in mid-2017. Since then, the couple has continued to shepherd the winery in partnership with renowned winemaker Philippe Melka—a mainstay on the team since its first vintage in 2005—to honor Roy Estate’s storied past and its multi-faceted future. The goal of the Mr. Evans label is to produce a wine inspired by the grand châteaux of Bordeaux, where Melka began his career. In fact, the 17 acres of vineyard on the property are split into two halves by a small creek that bisects the property that allude to those of its Bordelaise counterpart and its “left and right bank.” The Mr. Evans is sourced exclusively from vineyard blocks below the creek; fertile, loamy soils that give the wine its considerable body and concentration.
“2019 was another great vintage, following in the footsteps of the exemplary year we had in 2018,” notes Melka. “Early bouts of spring rain were complemented by a longer, warmer summer that produced high yields of tremendous fruit for our October harvest. While the wine’s confident swagger is undeniable, the elegance that is the perennial signature of the Roy Estate site is also present. There’s a noteworthy complexity and arresting freshness that become apparent the more time the 2019 Mr. Evans spends in the glass—fresh fennel, wildflowers and menthol energize the wine and invigorate the palate and complement the robust, finely wrought tannins that give the wine its structure. This is a Grand Cru of true substance, and it will cellar and evolve for at least 20 years.”
TASTING NOTES: 2019 ROY ESTATE MT. EVANS RED BLEND
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot; 15.2% ABV, 750ml, $265 SRP; available in three- and six-pack cases)
The 2019 Roy Estate Mr. Evans opens with a lively bouquet of concentrated red berries and graphite. Layered depth and resonance are present as the ripe fruit and mineral tones transform to evoke exotic spices like anise, mace and licorice. The addition of Merlot and Petit Verdot bring balance to this Grand Cru, showcasing the uniqueness of the Roy Estate terroir.
“I was once again impressed by the progression of the fruit, farming, and winemaking from Phillipe and the team in Napa during the 2019 vintage,” says Crétier. “There is a boldness to the 2019 that reflects summer heat, but this power is beautifully balanced by a collection of savory characteristics and nuanced streaks of tannin and acidity. I am especially excited to revisit this blend over the next two to three decades.”
For more information, please visit www.royestate.com, or follow @royestate on Instagram. High-resolution images and limited samples are available upon request.
About Roy Estate
Roy Estate produces three of the most sought-after Grand Cru wines in the Napa Valley: the Roy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the Roy Estate Mr. Evans Proprietary Red and the Roy Estate La Rêveuse. Founded in 1999 and located in the cooler, southern reaches of the valley in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains, Roy Estate’s highly allocated wines are grown from a single vineyard site with an annual production below 1,500 cases. In addition to The Residence, a majestic home and hosting property, Roy Estate features the Vineyard Studio, where wine allocation recipients and invited guests can enjoy intimate tasting experiences complete with 270-degree views of the surrounding vines.
